A Look Back

pic from triathlete.competitor.com

"Only those who risk going too far will find their limits."

Even the best trained professionals have can have a tough day in Kona.  Click HERE for a look back at some of the better known meltdowns.

Two Days to Kona!

It's coming soon!  So excited!  Check out the above video of the men's defending champ.  Also, the video below of Rachel Joyce, 2nd last year.  YouTube "Tri House Hangout" for more.

Last thing, Breakfast from Kona with Bob Babbit has had some great interviews!  YouTube it.

More Kona Course

We already saw a video on the Energy Lab, and here's another well-known obstacle in Kona.  The Mumuku Winds.

The Energy Lab

More Kona excitement!  One of the best known parts of the Kona race course is the Energy Lab.  It's a 3mi barren landscape with few supporters at about 15 miles into the marathon, and supposedly this is where many good performances become great or fall apart.

Also, part 3 of Linsey Corbin: What I'm Made Of.

Breakfast from Kona

Today kicks off one of my favorite parts of the Kona lead-up, Breakfast from Kona with Bob Babbit!  He'll be interviewing a number of the top competitors and possibly some incredible age group racers.  Check out "Babbitville" on YouTube for a new episode everyday this week.

FYI, the interviews are far apart, so here's a list.
- 2:00 Craig Alexander (pro)
- 38:00 Race Director and Mayor of Hawai'i Island
- 1:04:00 Linsey Corbin (pro)
- 1:26:00 Michelle Vesterby (pro)
- 1:53:00 Sebastian Kienle (pro)
- 2:26:00 Pete Jacobs (pro)
- 3:02:00 Melissa Hauschildt (pro, but injured so not racing)
- 3:30:00 Ricky James (challenged athlete)
- 3:53:00 Eneko Llanos (pro)
- 4:22:00 Liz Blatchford (pro)

Linsey Corbin: Kona Prep

More Kona videos to get you in the mood.  This is Linsey Corbin, an American pro, as she preps for the biggest race of the year.

Click HERE for Part 1 and see below video for Part 2.  Parts 3 and 4 to come.  Getting excited!!

Ironman World Championships 2014

pic from www.telegraph.co.uk

With just under two weeks to go, I'm starting to get excited for the Ironman World Champs.  One day I will race it, but for now, I'm just following.

Click HERE for the pro start list.  There's always good story-lines, but here are a few folks in particular that I'm looking out for.

- Bart Aernouts, a young Belgian who runs like the wind.  He finished 8th in Kona in 2013.  This year he won his first full-distance Ironman in France followed by his first European 70.3 Championship

- Tim O'Donnell, top American at Kona 2013 (5th overall) and getting better every year.

- Bevan Docherty, a Kiwi who's performed at every distance from 2 Olympic medals to winning Ironman New Zealand.  He jumped up to the iron-distance after London 2012, so I think he's just getting started.

- Daniela Ryf, her year in one word... WOW!  Let's see, she won the Zurich Olympic race and Ironman Zurich on back-to-back days, then Ironman 70.3 European Champs, followed by IM Copenhagen and topped it off with a win at 70.3 World Champs.  Wow!

- Rachel Joyce, maybe I have a thing for female triathletes from the UK, but she really put on a performance finishing 2nd in Kona last year and had another great battle with Mirinda Carfrae at Roth earlier this year.  Can't wait to see what's in store for Oct 11th.

To get in the mood, I've been re-watching old Kona races on YouTube.  Actually, I've watched almost every one available, 1989 (The Iron War) through 2013.  They're all great, but below are a couple to get you started.

2002, the last time an American man, Tim DeBoom, won

2004, first time the "big bike lead" strategy worked in Kona

Also, Apolo Ohno has taken Hines Ward's place on the the Got Chocolate Milk Team.  Check out episode 1 of Mission Apolo below.  Click HERE for the website and rest of the episodes.

Isklar Norseman Xtreme Triathlon 2014

pic from www.triathlonireland.com

This race is just so awesome.  Definitely on my bucket list.  Click HERE for the 2014 video.  Enjoy :)